Authorizing the Committee on Aging to hold hearings regarding the benefits of both companion animals for the elderly, along with the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) 150 years of service towards creating a positive atmosphere for companion animals, and the elderly.

WHEREAS, Companion animals have been proven to be effective at decreasing health risks for the elderly and generally improving their lives; and

WHEREAS, These companion animals have been shown to lower blood pressure, lessen depression, fight loneliness, increase social interactions for the elderly, helping the elderly find comfort, and provide a sense of security in their homes; and

WHEREAS, Companion animals are often times the bright spot in a person’s day, but the epidemic of animal abuse and neglect in Philadelphia creates an environment that is less than friendly to animals; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1867, the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals acts as the state’s leading animal welfare organization, placing a premium on providing the greatest possible care and protection for these animals; and

WHEREAS, These ideals are embodied by their no-kill philosophy, highlighting the fact that they do not euthanize animals due to time or space constraints, and have

achieved a 97% live-release rate

; and

WHEREAS, From 2014 to 2016 the PSPCA investigated over 19,000 animal cruelty cases in Philadelphia alone, the PSPCA has 5 full time officers dedicated to Philadelphia, meaning that each officer was required to investigate over 3,800 different cases; and

WHEREAS, The PSPCA investigates everything from the dumping of animals in trash bags and trash cans, to dogs such as Ruby, who was beat with a baseball bat and suffered a broken leg; and

WHEREAS, Many Philadelphians appreciate the hard work and commitment the PSPCA has towards benefiting companion animals and their work with the elderly; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby authorizes the Committee on Aging to hold hearings to examine companion animals for the elderly, and the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) work towards creating a positive atmosphere for companion animals, and for the elderly.

End